New Covenant Online Sermons

Jack Wilson is our founding pastor and a lifelong resident of Western PA.

Jack graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in music education. He studied at Ligonier Valley Study Center with Dr. R.C. Sproul and then went to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to study with Dr. John H. Gerstner where he received the Master of Arts degree magna cum laude.

Well we are now getting back to the story of David already in progress. This week we see Absalom attempting, with some success, to steal the kingdom from his father and David retreating. We meet a couple of interesting characters along the way and also seem to finally get back to a more recognizable David, the man of faith. Something to learn from him when he appears down but not out.

So this is it. Reformation Sunday. The 500th anniversary. Not to worry should you miss it. Next really big one in another 500 years should our Lord tarry. My plan is to sort of locate the Reformed. That is, show the careful balance between rejecting the false doctrines and practices of Rome without running to the extremes of what was called "the Radical Reformation". Then to look at the continuing need of balance between the draw of legalism and the appeal of various forms of self-worship and antinomianism. Then finish with some thoughts on being reformed in our crazy culture.

It is difficult for me to fathom just how folks like Martin Luther could have accomplished so much. He preached and taught regularly, wrote extensively, traveled frequently, met with students and officials, answered tons of letters, and still found time for his cherished wife and children and to hoist a beer or two with friends. And all this without a smart phone, a laptop, or even a good day planner! Well, maybe partly because he didn't have those things but whatever, he was busy and productive. Part of his early output were three treatises written and published in fairly short order. They really marked out several of the most significant themes he would address and refine throughout his later years of ministry. We are going to look at three of them this week: the concept of the priesthood of all believers, the nature of Christian freedom, and the idea that that freedom actually puts us in bondage. Hope that sounds intriguing!

Back from the wedding week-end and getting back to the Reformation this week. It seems most people believe the central theme or most important truth from the Reformers was justification by faith. That is certainly critical to the recovery of the Gospel the Reformation was about - and we will get to it - but I believe even more central and basic was the question of "Who says?", the issue of authority. The Church of the day believed that the Church itself, through the popes and councils, was the ultimate authority. Luther and the Reformers believed that the Word of God was the authority, even before and over the Church. We will explore that and some implications this Lord's Day.

So we will be taking a break from our Samuel series in October for pumpkin spice, no wait, more directly Reformation themed sermons. It is a daunting and likely impossible task to say just when the Reformation began, but a commonly agreed upon and convenient date is when Martin Luther nailed his articles for debate, the "95 Theses", to the community bulletin board (the church door) in Wittenberg. That was October 31, 1517. Hence 500 years.
The first week of each month is our communion service and so that will be our focus this week. A bit about how the Reformation reformed communion and more about what we do, why, and how. Seems like it has been a while since we have had a full communion address.

Well, if you thought after the Bathsheba chapter we were out of the ugliness you might need to reconsider. This week we find the kingdom of David cracking open to reveal lust, rape, anger, disgrace, hatred, and murder. May sound like the average TV show anymore but this was real and this was really bad. Making sense of it and finding any "moral to the story" is challenging. We'll see if I am up to the challenge Sunday. Prayer ahead would be appreciated!

So where does David's terrible series of sinful choices leave him? We got a hint right at the end of the chapter when we are told in no uncertain terms that what he had done was evil in God's eyes. But, then, in an unexpected move God sends a prophet with a story. A story that leads to revelation, accusation, confession, repentance, forgiveness, and enduring consequences. A lot to try to take in and apply!

Last week we saw the beautiful picture of David remembering his experience of covenant love and faithfulness and looking for someone to show it to himself. He found that person in Jonathan's son Miphiboseth and freely gave him protection, provision, and a new position. As we turn the page we see David again extending covenant faithfulness only to have it rudely rejected plunging nations into a war. David is certainly not the only one to have love and peace rejected and the consequences are always severe. We'll think about that.